Pulling the curtains back in her bedroom, Nell was on the lookout for any “peeping toms” of the turkey variety that may be near her patio. So far, the coast was clear. The boys were still sound asleep on the bed; it was early yet. The long hot days of summer were nearing an end. Soon the kids would be back in school.
Not Nell. This would be her second year of retirement. The first year she had worked hard forming her plan for Nell’s Noshes Up North and working with a web designer. Now with the website running and no more lesson plans to prepare, she would relax every morning with a book before she dressed.
There was a slight chill in the house. Nell pulled a light blue blanket over herself as she crawled back in bed. She tried to read, but her mind kept going over the events of yesterday. She and Sam had learned about the money concerns, possible infidelity of both Nell Norton and her husband, and the meat thermometer. That darn thermometer! Why does that have to be involved? It was another item relating to food, which Nell concluded had a connection to her.
The other possibilities seemed to point away from her. She wondered if it’d be a good idea to go back to Wausaukee. They had been interrupted at Chet’s place because a big group came in and Amy clammed up when she saw Sam coming back from the rest room. If Nell could get her alone again maybe she would tell her more. Although Nell had to admit she was a little surprised that Amy told her as much as she did.
There were a few other establishments to visit in Wausaukee, too. Nell hoped Sam would be interested in returning.
Nell’s interest was piqued by the thought of talking to Benita. She hoped that Benita had some ideas for suspects and that they would have an easy time talking to each other. She wondered if she’d see little bits of Sam in Benita’s behavior. Nell had already recognized some physical similarities. Benita was petite in stature compared to Sam, but they shared the same soft brown eyes—the color of melted milk chocolate—and some strands of Sam’s hair still looked as dark as his daughter’s. Nell wondered what Benita would think of her.
Nell moved off the bed. George and Newman woke up and she let them out. then started the coffee. She stepped outside and picked up the newspaper from her stoop. It may be time to stop her subscription and just read it online like most other people in this century, but Nell liked the feel of holding a newspaper in her hands.
She thought about her blog. It had been almost a week since she posted her review of Coffee and Cakes and she hadn’t written anything on her blog since. It may not end up being her decision whether to continue the blog or not. Her readers may just stop following her if she didn’t keep writing about places and food that they would find worth reading. That meant she better write something today. Nell went to her office and pulled up her blog.
Not another one! Was there no end to this man’s written assaults?
Northwoodsman
Nell? Nell? Are you there? Where are your childish chirpings? How I miss writing my critiques of your backward babblings! Am I getting under your skin? Is that why you have stopped your ridiculous reviews? Come on, Nell. Show yourself.
That was the exact reason she dreaded reading the blog or checking her email. Nell was heartsick. This man had caused her so much pain. He’s ruining the joy she’d experienced with her blog, to say nothing about him wanting to kill her. Nell was able to take a little comfort in reading some of her other followers’ responses to his rant.
David’s Kitchen
Northwoodsman, you are an asshole. If you don’t like her blog, don’t read it.
MomofThree
You are a bully, Northwoodsman. No one here wants to read your negative opinion. Go away and don’t come back.
Chuck’s Angel
Nell, I love your blog! You are right 99% of the time. Everyone is off a bit once in a while. Keep doing what you are doing. Pay no attention to this troll!
Should Nell dignify Northwoodsman by responding to him? No. Now was the time for her to write a fantastic review. She wished that she and Sam had eaten at Beer Here. If the food there was anything close to what she thought it would be, she could have written a glowing post today. Now she had to come up with some other place. She could probably do Bayshore Tap or The Green Garden. Both places were very good, but she didn’t know if she could write the kind of exceptional review she needed to come out with today.
While Nell pondered the situation, she took care of some daily chores. She gathered up George and Newman for a walk.
Her mind raced with thoughts about everything from a murderer possibly watching her right at that moment to a blossoming relationship with Sam to considering what eating spot she should blog about. Without a decision made and without seeing either of the men she was on the lookout for, the three of them returned home.
She sat down and the landline phone right next to her rang, so she picked it up with a start without looking at the caller ID.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Nell? This is Benita, Sam’s daughter.”
“Yes, Benita. I’ve been looking forward to your call. I’m anxious to talk to you about any new information you have for me.”
“Good. Do you think we could meet somewhere for lunch today.” Benita suggested. “It’s my day off and I have plans to go out with friends tonight. I don’t care where we go.”
“Why don’t we meet in Peshtigo at Riverfront?” Nell proposed.
“Cool. Will 11:30 work?”
“It will. See you then.”
The prospects of the day invigorated Nell. First, she would get Benita’s thoughts on Northwoodsman and any possibilities she had for her. Second, she’d get to know Sam’s daughter a little bit. And third, Riverfront was a nice place for lunch so perhaps she could work up a blog post about it when she returned home. She hadn’t posted about it yet.
A shower was on the agenda and then Nell spruced up a bit. Fairly satisfied with the way she looked in a coffee colored top and rather snug tan capris, Nell drove to the bank. She wanted to be sure to have enough cash on hand to pay the bill.
* * *
Benita was already at a table when Nell arrived. They renewed their introductions and took a look at the menu. Nell knew before she went there that one item she was going to order was the Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup. It never disappointed. Of course, she’d order a sandwich, also, with a doggie bag.
“There are so many enticing selections,” Benita said. “Quite a number of them I’m interested in ordering and also in duplicating. Always on the lookout for new items to add to our menu.”
“About that, Benita. I’m so sorry about that hideous review,” apologized Nell. “I was way out of line and I sure wish I’d never written it. Not just because of this whole Northwoodsman debacle either. It was unfair and just plain wrong.”
Benita waved her apology away. “You’ve apologized enough on your blog. Dad and I are okay with it, really.” Benita looked uncomfortable.
“Well, I haven’t spoken directly to you and I wanted to be sure you knew how truly sorry I am.” Nell looked her right in the eye and held contact.
“I accept your apology. Enough said. Let’s order.”
The waitress arrived and took their order. Benita chose a smoked turkey bacon club with kettle chips. Nell went with a grilled salmon sandwich to accompany her soup.
“Now I want to get right down to it, Nell. I have to admit that when I first saw your post, my feelings were hurt and I was upset.” Benita twisted the ends of her long hair. “I got together with a group of friends, both male and female, that night and I’m embarrassed to say that you were the butt of our jokes and our venom. We were pretty relentless in our criticism.”
“Did this kind of talk continue the next day?” Nell didn’t relish being made fun of, but in this case she thought she deserved it.
“I didn’t see most of them the next day. Because I’m back in the kitchen, my friends don’t usually come in to chat. Dad usually handles the bar and they don’t feel comfortable hanging out with the age group that likes to sit there and talk to Dad.” Benita shared. “Besides, I already felt differently by then. I’d gotten online and viewed some recipe sites and had new salad and veggie ideas.”
“But you’re still willing to give me their names?” Nell didn’t want Benita doing something she would regret later.
“When they’re cleared of any wrongdoing, you and Dad will know to look somewhere else.” Benita had great confidence in her friends. Nell understood not wanting to think that good friends would ever do anything wrong. She felt the same way.
“I take it you don’t think it could be any of them?” Nell inquired.
“They’re my friends. I’ve known some of them since grade school. I don’t think any of them could be that vicious.” Benita asserted. “I wrote out a list with a few notes about each one. I’ll tell you about them, so ask if you have a question.”
“Cory Swanson is a neighbor, schoolmate, and friend since I was in grade school. He’s been a friend in good times and bad. I can’t imagine him doing anything like this.”
“Zoe Knutson came to my school in fourth grade. We’ve been best friends since eighth grade. She has a quiet sense of humor with no malice toward anyone. She’s always been aware of other people’s feelings.”
“Heather McClain moved to town a couple years ago. She works with Zoe and fits easily into our group.”
Nell nodded as Benita shared her information.
“Tom Rosner is Heather’s boyfriend of four months, but I’ve known him since the beginning of high school. He’s a good guy.”
“Steve Rosner is Tom’s cousin who moved here from Madison in April. I think he graduated from UW-M and didn’t find a job in the southern part of the state so he came here. I’d never met him before he moved here so I really don’t know where he was from originally or much about him.”
“Ben Huffman is Steve’s buddy who also moved from Madison. I don’t know where he is from or anything about him, but he’s very friendly.”
“Jaron Caylor was the class clown in school and our group’s funny man. We started kindergarten together and I haven’t stopped laughing since.”
“It looks like you’ve known most of them a long time, Benita. Do you have any concerns with Steve or Ben?”
“They’re a little younger than the rest of us.” Benita took some time to think it over. “I guess I don’t know them that well. They don’t hang around us all the time. I really can’t say one way or the other.”
“Were they there that first night?”
“Yes, that’s why I have them on the list.” Benita handed the list over to Nell.
Their lunches were delivered. Both meals looked and smelled divine. Unbelievably Nell remembered to request a doggie bag for part of the sandwich. The portions were large so eating half of the sandwich and the soup was very filling.
“Thanks for the list. Have you met with your friends again since the night you discussed the blog?” Nell tried to sip her soup delicately without making a slurping sound, but it smelled so enticing and tasted so yummy she wanted to lift up the bowl and drink it.
“Yes, casually, a couple of times.”
“Were Ben and Steve there?”
“I’m not sure; I can’t remember.” Benita bit into a sandwich that was almost half as big as she was. Nell gave her a moment to chew.
“Did you talk about the blog?”
“Oh, yes. I told them all about your second post and the nice things you wrote. I remember now. Both Ben and Steve were around because they each made a few more nasty comments about you. Huh, I didn’t put that together before.” Benita’s brows knit together.
“And you mentioned you’re off work and meeting again tonight?”
“I’m not sure if Ben and Steve will be there, though. Nell, I’m going to take special note tonight and if I come up with anything I’ll give you a call.”
“Thanks.” They ate the rest of their meal mostly in silence, just appreciating the robust flavor of the food. Nell was a little surprised that Benita ate her entire entrée. Where did the girl put it? She wondered if Sam used to be thin at one time.
Nell insisted on paying for both of their lunches. “Who cooks when you aren’t there, Benita?”
“Polly Schmidt. She has worked for Dad for years.”
“Could she have been bothered by the review?” Nell suggested. “Either that her cooking was subpar or out of feelings for you or your dad?”
“Oh, no,” Benita paused. “Well, I suppose that could be a possibility. I’ve always thought she had a secret thing for Dad.”
“Really?” Nell’s off the cuff question might bear fruit. “What do you know about her?”
“Polly had a stressful marriage for years. Dad and I both suspected some sort of abuse was involved. A few years ago she finally filed for divorce. Dad’s been very helpful to her.” Benita looked at Nell knowingly. “I’m not sure, but I think he may have paid a lot of her lawyer fees.”
“Do you think something may have gone on between the two of them that you don’t know about?”
“In my opinion, no. Polly may have feelings for him, but he doesn’t for her.”
“What makes you so sure?” They’d reached their cars, but Nell wanted to hear more.
“Nell, my dad is an open book. He can’t hide his feelings. I could tell right away that he liked you. He came to your house for supper and the two of you went on a day trip. I stopped in the bar this morning before I came here and I actually heard him whistling as he worked. I can’t remember the last time he acted that way. It makes me want to ask the old question ‘Who is this guy and what have you done with my dad?’” Benita laughed. “But it also makes me wonder what your feelings are toward him? He’s a stand up guy and a strong person, but he’s been hurt before and I don’t want to see that happen again. So tell me, what are your intentions toward my father?”
Nell’s cheeks started to turn a light shade of pink as she croaked, “I like your dad, but I don’t know if this will be anything more than a friendship. Obviously I’m not exactly a femme fatale, but I would never hurt him on purpose. Really, Benita, we hardly know each other.”
“I understand,” Benita said. “Just letting you know I don’t want anyone toying with Dad’s affection.”
Nell started playing with her necklace. “Back to Polly. If she thought the world of your dad, she may have taken great offense to someone who criticized his place and may have plotted to get back at the blogger.”
“Stranger things have happened I imagine,” Benita admitted.
“Hmmmph. You have given me food for thought. Thanks so much.”
“I’ll let you know if I find anything tonight that might be of interest.”
Food for thought, indeed.